MacKenzie King Biography | Canadian Prime Minister

William Lyon Mackenzie King

Born: October 17, 1874
Died: July 22, 1950
Place of Birth: Berlin (Kitchener), Ontario

Mackenzie King's grandfather was considered a political rebel and, at one point, was exciled to United States.
King's mother inspired him with tales of his grandfather's political and maverick exploits.
He was devoted to his mother and, in fact, never married.
After university, King joined the federal Liberal party.
In 1908 he won an election and a year later was appointed Minister of Labour in a government headed by Sir Wilfred Laurier.
King lost in the next two elections but remained a loyal supporter and organizer of the Liberal party.
In 1919, he became leader of the Liberals in the first political leadership convention held in Canada.
He became Prime Minister of Canada in the election of 1921.
In 1926, King's government was responsible for creating the Old Age Pension act.
There are stories to the effect that King based some of his decisions based on the supernatural; scholars deny this.
He was the longest serving Prime Minister; in office for 22 years.
King supported conscription under Laurier and in World War II.
He is ranked as one of the most important Prime Ministers of Canada.

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